Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Random Love Story



 What if the sky was purple and the grass was pink?
Would you find it crazy, or would you think?...
This is something I could get used to.
I'm tired of doing what I used to do.

Some change is good; some change is bad.
The change that jingles can make you glad.
When you want a snack and only have three dimes...
Reach in your pocket and a quarter you find.

A hidden treasure is what I seek.
Tucked away so nice and neat.
I'd find it on the road less traveled.
Below the surface...the dirt..the gravel.

Be careful..Slow down! Don't go too deep.
The load is heavy and your heart is weak.
Just set your thoughts on things above.
From there you'll find the purest love.

-Yours Truly

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

"Stand Out"

I love that Tye Tribbett song, "Stand Out".  It rings with truth.

In this Christian walk today, you often come across a lot of believers who do just that - believe... and nothing else.  They've been fed the partial truth that because you BELIEVE and GO to church, your mansion is reserved in Heaven.  But there is much more to it.

If you (Christians) didn't know, people are watching us.  Many lost souls are looking for that light to guide them out of the darkness, but how can they see it when a lot of us are halfway in the dark ourselves?  "We need to raise up a standard!"

A lot of people have the need to feel part of a group.   They want to be cool...They want to fit in... They want to have "fun".  This sometimes causes them to lose sight of what they should be doing, and give in to temptation.  I like to remind myself that this short moment of "fun" isn't worth an eternity in hell. (Let's not get it twisted... I'm not saying I've never fallen short and given in to temptation.  I am most grateful for God allowing me chance after chance to get it right.)

"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." -1Corinthians10:13 (The Book)

I kind of feel like I'm all over the place with this blog, but it was triggered by a message I received earlier from a classmate inviting everyone out Saturday night for reunion, and then church on Sunday morning. They made the statement that they may be speaking, but of course not about anything that may have happened on Saturday.  Sure, a year ago, I would have just laughed this off as a lot probably will, but this just shook something up in my spirit, and made me realize even more, that the Christian standard has been lowered tremendously.  If someone goes out on a Saturday night and does some things that are not pleasing in God's sight, they should feel a heavy conviction speaking in church the next day. (I know I would, because it's happened to me...I didn't speak, but I was in church the next day. And I must say, that was the last time I drank alcohol...Thank you , Jesus!) And sure, you may not mention what may have happened the night before, but who are you trying to please? People or God?  God sees all... so not mentioning it isn't going to erase the fact that it happened.  There is too much of this going on.

This is not to put anyone down, or make anyone feel bad.  I love everyone dearly, but it must be said.  The truth must be told. And I am saying this to not only help others, but myself as well.

So again...Let's raise up a standard.  Let's set ourselves apart so that our light may shine brightly for all to see, and so that all that are lost and want to be found, can see their way out of the darkness.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Patiently Waiting

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives.  So don't be troubled or afraid." -John14:27 (The Book)

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and  thank him for all he has done.  If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." -Phillipians4:6-7 (The Book)

 "Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will.  Then you will receive all that he has promised." -Hebrews10:36 (The Book)

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.  Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes." -Psalm37:7

I thought I'd start with a few scriptures this time... In these tough times today, many of us are growing weary... We're filled with anxiety, worry and are becoming impatient.  Some of us are wondering if we're going to lose our jobs; how we're going to pay our bills, keep a roof over our heads, or even food on the table. 

But it's a wonderful thing to know Jesus.  And to believe and know that his word is true. He gives us peace of mind...don't be troubled. Just pray... be patient...and endure.  Don't compare yourselves with others around you that seem to be prospering, God will exalt you in due time.

Recently, I've been getting impatient... frustrated.  I've been wondering, how will I stay afloat with the job cutting back hours? Seems like I'm working just to pay bills...etc.  But I have to remind myself constantly that God has my back and he will provide.  All things happen for a reason, and everything that I'm going through is for my good.  He's brought me out once, and he will do it again.  

As I stopped to think about it all last night, things started to become clear... I'm totally being set up for something great.  Now that I have extra time off from work, I'm able to partake in something that will be beneficial to my future, and the future of my family.  I'm so excited and I pray that God will give me to strength, focus and continuous motivation to accomplish the task.

"But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.  They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." -Isaiah40:31 (the Book)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" -Phillipians4:13

YOUTUBE: Tye Tribbett - Look Up